Nandan Nilekani Donates INR 315 Crore ($38.5 Million) to IIT Bombay, Marking a Total Contribution of INR 400 Crore

• ByStartupStory     |    June 20, 2023

Nandan Nilekani, the co-founder and chairman of Infosys Ltd and founding chairman of UIDAI, has made a substantial donation of INR 315 crore ($38.5 million) to his alma mater, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. This generous contribution, combined with his earlier donation of INR 85 crore, brings his total support to the institute to INR 400 crore. The donation aims to bolster IIT Bombay’s infrastructure, stimulate research in emerging areas of engineering and technology, and foster a thriving deep tech startup ecosystem.

The momentous donation was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Nilekani and Prof Subhasis Chaudhuri, the Director of IIT Bombay. Expressing its gratitude, the institute stated in a press release, “This significant contribution serves as the anchor for IIT Bombay’s ambitious vision to become a global leader among engineering and technology institutes and contribute significantly towards nation-building.”

Nilekani, who pursued a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from IIT Bombay starting in 1973, holds a deep appreciation for the institution’s formative role in his life. Reflecting on his association with IIT Bombay as he celebrates 50 years since joining, he shared, “IIT-Bombay has been a cornerstone in my life, shaping my formative years and laying the foundation for my journey. As I celebrate 50 years of my association with this esteemed Institution, I am grateful to give forward and contribute to its future. This donation is more than just a financial contribution; it is a tribute to the place that has given me so much and a commitment to the students who will shape our world tomorrow.”

The generous support from Nilekani will empower IIT Bombay to further its mission of excellence in engineering and technology education, research, and innovation. The institute’s vision to become a global leader in the field is bolstered by this transformative contribution, setting the stage for its continued impact on shaping India’s future.

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